Hayley Mills: Forever Young: A Memoir

 

If you love the 1960's live action Disney films as much as I do, you probably have the same fondness for Hayley Mills (who as a child acted in multiple Disney classics). To me Pollyanna (1960) still ranks as one of Disney's finest live action movies and The Parent Trap (1961) is still a comedy classic. Because of this I was eager to read Hayley Mills' memoir. 

What I found was the Hayley is just a lovely of a human being as she is an actress. She not only talks about her career and personal life but also her own personal philosophies. In a simple and unpretentious manner, she shows herself to be a very soulful and intelligent woman. You not only learn about her here, but you connect with emotionally. 

As a buff of all things Walt Disney, I of course greatly enjoyed the times when she talked about Walt himself. It is rare to be able to actually read about Walt from the point of view of someone who actually knew him. This makes me treasure every chance I get to read a first-hand account of the great filmmaker. To read Hayley writing about him with such love and fondness only increased this joy. 

She also talked greatly about some of her British films. Even if you have not seen these movies, Hayley's writing makes you want to search them out. 

Hayley also talks greatly about the effects of being a child star in Hollywood. While her life does not have the same tragedies that many child stars suffered, it did lead to much insecurity on her part. She obviously still remembers these insecurities and writes about them in a way that can feel heartbreaking to read. 

A must read for any Hayley Mills and/or Disney fan. 

Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era, 1930-1934 (2025)

 

Though it may not include the average person you pass on the street, Pre-code Hollywood has a surprisingly large and dedicated following. This era from 1930 to 1934, features many pure Hollywood classics that hold up massively well today. Some of these movies include such masterpieces as The Divorcee (1930), All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), Frankenstein (1931), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Three on a Match (1932), Grand Hotel (1932), Golddiggers of 1933 (1933), King Kong (1933) and Baby Face (1933). In this book historians Kim Luperi and Danny Reid picked out 50 classic Hollywood films (including those previously listed) from this era and take a close look at them. Their critical looks at these movies help bring great insight that allows us to enjoy these films on a greater level.

The research into these films is even more incredible. One of the most prevalent myths about Pre-Code Hollywood is that there was no censorship whatsoever. While the production code was not strictly enforced at this time, filmmakers still had to answer to local and state censor boards. This book takes a very close and eye-opening look at the interactions between studios and censor boards. This is an area of film history I was aware of, but it turns out I only knew the surface of. You may go into this book thinking you know a lot about Pre-code Hollywood, but you will soon learn just how wrong this assumption is. 

This book also works because of the two authors' writing style. This book is very well written and articulate but at the same time breezy and unpretentious. This writing style can full engage film scholars while still being readable and fun for causal readers. 

This is a truly essential book for fans of classic movies.  

A City Full of Hawks: On the Waterfront Seventy Years Later-Still the Great American Contender (2025)

 

I am a newcomer to Stephen Rebello's writing and I am so glad I have discovered his work. This book about the making of the 1950's classic On the Waterfront is a wonderful introduction to his work. 

On the Waterfront stands as one of the seminal American films of the 1950's and any cinephile has heard about it at length, even before they actually watch it. It is hard to think that there is anything new about this film that I haven't heard before. This book is incredibly well researched and detailed. From the various people considered for casting in the main role (Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman) to Marlon Brando's initial reluctance to work with director Eliza Kazan due to the filmmaking naming names to the House on Un-American Activities to producer Sam Spiegel's constant interference to day-to-day shooting, there is little here not discussed. Even the most dedicated film buffs will find themselves learning a lot from this book. 

This is not only a must-read for its wealth of information though. This is a very well written book. It is hard not to admire Rebello's way with words. Much of this book reads like a great novel. The introduction alone, where the author grapples with his complicated relationship with the movie and how long it took him to see it, could work as a great short story. Throughout the rest of the book, Rebello places us firmly in the time and culture the film was made in. Because of this we become fully swept up in this story as if we were there ourselves. This book is an important reminder that a great historian or critics needs not only to be knowledgeable and insightful but also a good writer.  

If I were to find fault with this book, it is in that Rebello often times delights a little too much in Hollywood gossip. Some of these passages seem unnecessary and ultimately don't add much to the actual story the book is telling. 

Despite some minor quibbles this is an excellent book, and I can't wait to dig deeper into this author's work. 

Mary Pickford: America's Sweetheart (1990)

 

I have mentioned earlier on this blog that Scott Eyman is becoming one of my favorite film historians. Since Mary Pickford is one of my favorite actresses naturally his biography of Mary Pickford was a must read for me. I was not disappointed. 

Not only does this book give us an in-depth look at the life and career of Mary Pickford but also at the film industry from the silent era through the early talkie era. One of Scott Eyman's great gifts as a film historian is how well he can put old movies into the context of the time they were made and the films coming out at the same time. Reading this helps you understand how Mary's films fit into the time period they were made in yet also stood out from the pack. It also helps us understand how changing culture and advances in filmmaking changed Mary's films over the years. We see how she adapted to these changes and when she failed to adapt. Because of this book also giving us such a peak into the eras that the films were made in, it is perfectly accessible to those who are new to silent films or those who only have a passing familiarity with Mary Pickford. In fact, if you are a newcomer to silent movies, this book will probably enhance your appreciation of them and encourage you to seek more out.  

As for looking at Mary's life, this book does a wonderful job. Having talked to many who personally knew Mary, Eyman creates a very vivid portrait of who Mary was as a person. This book neither comes off as an overly positive fluff piece nor an attack on her. It instead provides a very fair and honest depiction of Mary. Eyman talks about her drinking problem as well as some of her means to control any situation. Yet he also talks about her generosity and how deeply she cared for her friends and family. It also delves deep into her relationships with others. This includes her complicated and sometimes adversarial relationship with Charlie Chaplin, her friendship with Lillian Gish, her relationship with her mentor D.W. Griffith and most of all her relationships with husbands  Owen Moore, Douglas Fairbanks and Charles "Buddy" Rogers. Her undying love for Douglas Fairbanks, even after they divorced, and Buddy Rogers' devotion to her are especially very touching. I did not expect to feel my heart being moved so dearly by a biography of Mary Pickford, but I did. 

Scott Eyman's writing style also adds a lot to this book as well. He writes so well that it doesn't feel like a biography but rather a novel. He also does a great job of making us relate to these people and feel like we are right beside them through thick and thin. 

This is a top-notch movie star biography in every way. 

A Christmas Carol (1843)

 

A Christmas Carol is probably the quintessential Christmas story (aside from Jesus' birth naturally). It is one all of us are familiar with and is still one of the first stories we think of when we think of Christmas. It has been adapted for film and TV more times than I care to count. While when reading many classic books, one is shocked to find how different they are from various film and TV adaptions. However, with A Christmas Carol, one is amazed by how much the majority of film and TV adaptions follow the book. While they may have their own twists on the story (like having Gonzo be Charles Dickens) most adaptions not only follow the basic story but include multiple lines of dialogue straight from the book. Reading this book today it is easy to see why. Despite being an 19th century novella, it holds up near perfectly today and needs no changes to be accessible to a modern audience. 

You are all familiar with the story. Scrooge is a hard unfeeling man, who cares only about wealth and not about his fellow man. The night before Christmas he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner with a warning to change his ways. His business partner then tells him that he will be visited by three more ghosts that night. These ghosts show Scrooge his past, present and future. Through this he learns the error of his ways and wakes up Christmas morning a changed man. 

This book is a classic for a reason. The story is timeless. Themes of loneliness, greed, mistreatment of the poor and our moralistic to help those less fortunate are still as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. It gets across each of these themes in a way that is still entertaining and effective. Despite being a morality tale, it never feels like a sermon but rather the themes come across in a natural way.

 The main reason this story is so effective is that Scrooge is a fantastic lead character. Though the name has become a term for any greedy and selfish person, the character is more complex than that. Though Scrooge can be very unlikable towards the start of the book, he is never simply an evil caricature. Instead, he is something much more real and human. He is instead a man weathered and hardened by a tough life and an often-unfair world. As we see in the ghost of Christmas past segment, the change from an ambitious young man to a cruel unfeeling old man was a very gradual one, that he was not aware of as it was happening. Even at his most cruel his younger more caring self is still hidden beneath. This makes his transformation completely natural and believable. If the story was just a completely evil man learning the errors of his ways, it would not have been at all effective. It is the complexities of the character that make the story so powerful.  

Dickens writing is also incredibly wonderful here. Dickens has a way with the English language and that is something even his staunchest critics must agree on, Dickens so beautifully describes each setting creating a very atmospheric feel. Many claim Dickens was the inventor of many of the ways we view and celebrate Christmas and reading the way he describes the holiday, it is easy to understand why. As well as brilliant describing the settings, the book also gives us very detailed and well-written descriptions of each of the ghosts. The way Dickens describes them gives them an other-worldly and truly magical feel. 

One of the most overlooked elements of Dickens is that he was a great humorist. This is seen throughout this book. Despite the serious nature of the message, there were multiple moments that made me laugh out loud while reading it (I especially love Dickens' description of a doornail). 

This is a pure classic for a reason and essential yuletide reading.  

-Michael J. Ruhland

Christmas in the Movies (2018, 2023)

 

Christmas and movies are two of my favorite things in the world. So of course, when you combine them and get Christmas movies, it is a match made in heaven for me. I am not the only one to feel this way. Gathering together with loved ones to watch a Christmas movie with loved ones has become a time-honored tradition. 

Christmas movies now make up too vast a subject to ever have a definitive book. However, Jeremy Arnold's Christmas in the Movies is the best book about the subject I have read. 

One of the best parts of this book is the wide selection of Christmas movies contained within (the original 2018 edition has 30 and the updated 2023 version has 35). These films include black and white classics such as Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and It's a Wonderful Life (1946) to 21st century holiday traditions as Elf (2003) and Love Actually (2003) to more atypical Christmas films as Gremlins (1984) and Die Hard (1988). This selection gives a great overview of how large the world of Christmas movies is and how there is a Christmas movie for you regardless of what your taste is. The list of movies here are also full of many great films that are essential viewing for any movie fan. 

Jermey Arnold's writing style also makes this book essential reading. His writing style is very warm, inviting and unpretentious. Yet at the same time, it is incredibly insightful, giving you an even greater appreciation for movies that you have already seen many times. 

The 2023 revised addition not only includes more movies, but it also includes overviews of Christmas cartoons, the various film adaptions of A Christmas Carol and Little Women, Christmas film noirs and 21st century Christmas films. These overviews are just as well written and insightful as the essays about each of the main movies. 

This is essential reading for anyone who loves both Christmas and movies.   

Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise (2020)

 

Scott Eyman is becoming one of my favorite film historians. After reading his biography of Cary Grant, I am even more of a fan. This biography is a gripping read that I always hated to put down. It is incredibly well-written, very informative and always fair when examining its subject. 

One of the main points this book makes is that the persona of Cary Grant was a creation of Grant himself. While it did not fully resemble the man who was born Archie Leach and would later bear the name of Cary Grant, it was the creation of the star not the studio. As well as digging into Cary Grant and his movie career, this book also greatly discusses who Archie Leach was. Probably the highlight of this book is the early chapters discussing Archie's life before becoming Cary Grant. As most writings about the Hollywood star tend to focus on his movie career, this is where I learned the most about the man born as Archie Leach. These early chapters are not only very well researched and informative but also where Scott Eyman's writing is at its best. We feel completely engrossed in this bygone world of English Music Halls and American vaudeville. The picture painted of a very vivid picture of this world, and it is easy to understand how it shaped Archie Leach, well into the years he would be known as Cary Grant. 

As well as starting strong, this book also finishes very strong. Most movie star biographies tend to wind down when the reach the years when the star retired. That is far from the case here. Eyman digs heavily into these years painting a very vivid picture of an older man, who finally find much of the peace and joy that he looked for through much of his life (especially due to the love he felt for his daughter Jennifer). These chapters give us probably our greatest understanding of who the man is. 

Though the middle section may not be as strong as the start or finish, it is still quite well worth the read. This is especially true because of the chapters when it talks about Grant's working and personal relationships with his three favorite and possibly best directors, Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks and Leo McCarey. The book provides a very well-researched look into the making of his best work. It also provides a very smart and well-written critical examination of his filmography as a whole. Eyman argues that Grant's reluctance to take risks with many of his roles, hurt his career at times causing him to make inferior films while passing up movies that would have been perfect for him. At the same time Eyman is not short in his praise of Grant's best work, acknowledging that his best films are true cinematic masterpieces of the highest order.  

This book is highly sympathetic to Grant and often times paints a positive picture of the man. However, this does not mean that it overlooks or excuses Grant's worst flaws. Still for every story about his ego or selfish behavior, there are two more about how he took chances with newcomers he believed in or how much he truly loved his daughter. 

This is a must-read biography.    

The Complete Films of Buster Keaton (1993)

 

Many writings on Buster Keaton tend to focus on his silent movie work. It is very easy to see why. During the silent era, Buster enjoyed the most creative freedom over his films. It was also during this time that Buster released what are considered his greatest masterpieces. However, Buster had a much longer career, and one should not overlook his sound films. Even if his sound films never reached the heights of his silent work, there are moments of Keaton brilliance found in them.

This is why I greatly appreciate Jim Kline's book, The Complete Films of Buster Keaton. As the title states, this book covers every single film Buster Keaton ever made ranging from The Butcher Boy (1917) to The Scribe (1966). After an introduction giving an overview of Buster's career, this book adopts a very simple format. It goes over each film individually and in order. For each film Kline provides a list of credits, a story synopsis, his own personal opinion on the film and some background information. All this makes for a fun, easy and approachable read. While I greatly enjoyed reading about the all the classic silent films here, it was the looks at the underdiscussed talkie films that made me love this book. Though very well-written everything he has to say about the silent films has also been said in other books. However, to read such well-written reviews of such little discussed films from the career of one of the movies' finest comedic talents is truly fascinating. I especially enjoyed his reviews of Buster's shorts for Colombia, where Three Stooges director/producer Jules White gave Buster material more fitting of the Stooges (though as us Stooge lovers know, White was hardly the Stooges' best director). However with his writings about Buster’s silent era work, I enjoyed what the author had to say about the early shorts he made with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle as he gives great insight into how both comedians' personal styles came together to create these films. 

One thing you can't hold against this book is that there has been a lot of research done since it was written, therefore film buffs may know more about Buster's most popular films than is said here. 

This is a delightful read for any fan of classic movie comedy. 
  

100 Years of Brodies with Hal Roach: The Jaunty Journeys of a Hollywood Motion Picture and Television Pioneer (2014)

 

For those of us who love classic comedy, Hal Roach is a legendary name. He produced many classic films starring the likes of Laurel and Hardy, Harold Lloyd, the Our Gang kids (also known as The Little Rascals), Charley Chase and plenty more. All these years later these films stand as some of the greatest comedies of all time. So of course, for us any book about Hal Roach makes for essential reading. However, this book stands as one of the best books about the subject. This is because it not only gives us a historical overview of one of the best comedy studios of all time, but it also gives us the most vivid portrait of Hal Roach as a person available. 

Author Craig Calman is a comedy filmmaker himself who discovered the work of Hal Roach at a very young age becoming enamored with the films of Laurel and Hardy. Little did he dream as that young kid that one day he would meet the producer of those classic Laurel and Hardy films. At the age of twenty he went out on a limb and tried to contact Hal Roach, when working on a term paper. This resulted in a decades long friendship. This book is the result of that friendship. Much of the book is filled with quotes from Hal Roach. Because of this we not only get a view of how films were made at the Hal Roach Studio but also insights into Hal Roach viewed comedy and filmmaking. His views on comedy are quite revealing from him speaking about taking children into consideration but never making films only for them to him talking about how he believed that comedies should not exceed forty-five minutes (though he would make feature length comedies out of necessity). He even speaks about others in the comedy field from Mack Sennett to Benny Hill. While I may not agree on some of those comments, they do say a lot about his approach to comedy and how it differed from others. Even the times when Roach's memory proved to be faulty, what he remembers about his own work says a lot about the way he viewed his career and the various films he worked on. 

Though by design this book cannot go into as much detail about individual films as Randy Skretvedt's Laurel and Hardy books or Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann's book about Our Gang, it still gives a very nice historical overview of the work from this movie studio. Probably most valuable is that for each year of the studio's existence, Calman provides a list of how many films were made with each of the studio's comedy stars as well as how many dramatic features or special productions were made for each year. Calman as well as using his personal experience with Hal Roach also digs into studio documentation and old movie magazines to create an even greater dig into the history of these films. 

Also unlike many histories of the Hal Roach Studio, this book does not neglect the studio's later involvement in TV. This includes both TV shows made by the studio and those that used the studio's resources for filming (did you know The Abbott and Costello Show was filmed there?).

 This book is a must have for any fan of classic comedy. 

For any fan of classic comedy 

Buster Keaton: A Filmmaker's Life (2022)

 

Jame Curtis' biography of Buster Keaton is one of the finest movie star biographies, I have ever read. At over 700 pages, this is a massive read. Yet it never once feels boring or get repetitive. Once more I hated every time I had to put this book down. 

This book hooked me from the very beginning. Buster's childhood is an endlessly fascinating subject. He grew up on the stage as part of his parents rough and tumble comedy act becoming the star of the act himself when he was still a little kid. Luckily this book covers Buster's childhood in the most informative and engaging way I have ever read. The stories contained in this portion feel larger than life but are still completely real. Yet this book still continues extremely strong as Buster reaches adulthood. Due to the length of the book, Curtis is able to cover each of Buster's silent films in great detail and with excellent critical commentary, while also giving us a great portrait of his personal life. Even massive Keaton-philes will learn a great deal here and come away with an even greater appreciation of the man and his films. The book continues to give in depth looks at the majority of his talkie films in a very honest way. The book offers many criticisms of his talkie work. As many of you know by the talkie era, Buster no longer had great creative control over the majority of his work, and his talkie work rarely lived up to his silent masterpieces. Yet at the same time the book does not fully dismiss these films, the way other writings on Buster Keaton do. Just because they don't reach the height of his silent work, doesn't mean they can't be fun. And this book is just as quick to praise his talkie work as it is to criticize it, making this the fairest look at these films I have ever read. At the same time this book paints a fascinating picture of Buster as a person. He could be a more complex person than he himself (being a completely unpretentious guy) would have given himself credit for. Curtis captures both his virtues in his flaws making a truly human look at this cinematic giant, who can sometimes seem beyond human to movie lovers. Even when looking at his flaws though, the book remains sympathetic and makes us care for Buster for reasons beyond that he made great films. 

This is a must read for any movie lover. 

The Abbott and Costello Story: Sixty Years of "Who's on First?" (1997)

 

This book by historians Stephen Cox and John Lofflin is an essential read for any Abbott and Costello fan.  

First and foremost, this book is a loving tribute to the boys. There is never a single second when you doubt, the love the authors have for Abbott and Costello. While they may criticize some of the boy's lesser work, even this is done with a love for what these two great performers are capable of. At the same time, the authors have no pretentions about why they enjoy the boys' work. They never try to present their films as some form of high art. Rather they acknowledge that the main reason, they love Abbott and Costello is that the duo makes them laugh. When so many critics and historians try to claim their favorite entertainers' work as great art and spend much of their writing simply explain why their work is so brilliant, it is quite refreshing to read a book where the authors simply praise a couple of comedians for being funny. 

This book also delves into the boys' personal lives. It takes a very open and fair look at who these two were as people. It does not paint them as perfect individuals, but it avoids demonizing them in the way the other writers (and a controversial TV movie) have. In fact, it even dispels many of the fraudulent rumors that have spread about the two comedians over the years.

One of the most important aspects about this book is the sheer amount of research that went into it. This book features in-depth interviews with family, friends and co-stars. These interviews and various quotes from these individuals scattered throughout this book are endless fascinating and make us feel as if we are right these beside them as they make their classic movies (as well as their TV and radio shows). Even those who may think they have a great knowledge of Abbott and Costello will learn a whole lot from reading this book. 

Also making this book essential is its filmography. The book not only lists every one of their feature length movies, but provides extensive credits, plot summaries and behind the scenes trivia for each one as well as some behind the scenes photos thrown in for good measure. This makes the filmography just as much a fun and important read as the body of the book. Yet the filmography does not stop there. It also provides every episode of their TV sitcom, with a cast list and plot summary for each one. But wait there is more. For us cartoon lovers and Hanna-Barbera fans, this also lists every episode of the Hanna-Barbera Abbott and Costello cartoon show (for which Bud Abbott provided his own voice) with a plot summary for each one. As some of these cartoons are not easy to see, this makes for very compelling and important reading to any cartoon fan (as well as any Abbott and Costello fan who is interested due to Bud providing his own voice). 

For any Abbott and Costello fans this is essential reading. For any non-Abbott and Costello fans, this book just might make you one.    

King Vidor on Filmmaking (1972)

 

King Vidor is unquestionably one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time. His run of films during the late silent era still remains unmatched today (The Big Parade (1925), La Bohème (1926), Bardelys the Magnificent (1926), The Crowd (1928), The Patsy (1928), Show People (1928)). These are movies that still remain as fresh, powerful, moving, funny and entertaining today as they were back then. They also hold their own with any great movie in the years afterwards. This does not mean his talkie work should be dismissed as it includes some real classics as well (The Champ (1931), Our Daily Bread (1934), Stella Dallas (1937), Duel in the Sun (1946), The Fountainhead (1949), Ruby Gentry (1952)). Because of this a book written by him about the filmmaking process is indispensable. 

Though the intended audience for this book is aspiring filmmakers, this book holds just as indispensable to movie buffs who never plan to make their own films. Reading how one of the greatest filmmakers of all time approached filmmaking is endless fascinating for movie lovers. Not only does he discuss all of the technical aspects of filmmaking in great depth, but he offers his own insight into how these aspects should be used. He even lets us know how many classic scenes in his films were shot. He gives his own examples of films where that he feels where made very well and why the technical aspects worked in those movies. This even includes his opinions on "modern" movies (this book was written in the 1970's) and how films have changed over the years. Unlike many filmmakers from his era, he welcomed this new era of filmmaking that was occurring. He even speaks highly of the rise of various arthouse and foreign movies. There are many more highlights here including a chapter where he talks about many of the famous actors and actresses, he worked with over the years. 

However, what truly makes this book special is the way it is written. As technical as this book gets, the writing style is quite casual, accessible and personal. The result is that the book feels like you are talking directly to the great filmmaker. Because of this by the end of the book, you don't only feel like you know more about filmmaking but that you know the writer himself. For fans of King Vidor, this makes this book feel incredibly worthwhile. 

Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies (2022)

 

It hasn't been until fairly recently that Marion Davies has been truly appreciated for how great of an actress she actually is. She has been too often dismissed as simply someone who succeeded because she was William Randolph Hearst's mistress and some have compared her to Susan Alexander in Citizen Kane (1941), an assumption that Orson Welles himself dismissed. Yet a look at her filmography one can see that she was incredibly talented and brought a warmth and charm to all her roles. For anyone who is not yet convinced of this I recommend that you read Lara Gabrielle's biography of her. 

This is one of the best movie star biographies of recent years. It is written from a place of love and there is no doubt that Gabrielle is completely enamored with her subject. While she does not paint Marion as perfect, its portrait of her is loving and deeply sympathetic. After reading this book, it is hard not to care about Marion as a person. This book perfectly shows us Marion's big heart, her loyalty, generosity, love of life and love of animals (including becoming very involved in pushing towards animal rights). We see a warm and loving person that we would all love to have as a friend. This book also illustrates how Marion truly loved Hearst and that he meant much more to her than his money and power. While Hearst was an extremely flawed human being (many of the flaws being glaringly obvious as you read the book), it is also obvious that he loved her back and was not just simply cavorting around with a younger woman. 

As well as giving us great insight into the person, this book also gives us a great look at her movies. Garbrielle truly did her research her and even massive film buffs might learn a thing or two about her movies here. The book goes into great depth about each of her major films. While there is little critical insight into many of the movies as a whole, the author does a great job of examining Marion's performances in the film and what made these performances special. The book also gives much information about Marion's work with some truly talented directors (including the great King Vidor) and how she adapted to the change from silents to talkies (not always easy as she had a stuttering problem). 

This is a must read for any fan of Marion Davies, classic Hollywood or well-written books in general. Once I started reading it, I hated whenever I had to put it down. 
 

Hawks on Hawks (1982)

 

Howard Hawks was one of the most versatile and gifted filmmakers of Hollywood's golden age. Whether he was directing a John Wayne western, a screwball comedy with Cary Grant, a musical with Marylin Monroe or a film noir with Humphrey Bogart, he always delivered a well-made film. Yet he is a figure that many of us do not really know outside of his movies. This is what makes film critic Joseph McBride's book of interviews with Howard Hawks so indispensable. 

The book gives us a great insight into Hawks' views on filmmaking. Though he remained unpretentious about his work and didn't fully understand what intellectual French critics saw in his films, he could articulate what makes a great movie better than most critics could. I would recommend that any aspiring filmmaker read this book as his insights into the filmmaking process are very well-thought out and enlightening. This is equally important to students of his work as they can begin to see his approach to filmmaking whenever the watch his movies. At the same time, he states these insights in such an unpretentious manner that is completely approachable. You don't have to be a film scholar to understand or learn from these insights. For those of us interested in film history, learning how one of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers approached making his movies is fascinating. 

As well as his insights into the art of filmmaking, Hawks also tells some great behind the scenes stories from his movies. Many of these stories are quite interesting and a few are quite funny. These stories also give us a good look at such movie luminaires as John Wayne, Marylin Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Becall, Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan and more. To say these stories are invaluable is an understatement. 

This is a must own book for any movie lover. 

The Laurel and Hardy Movie Scripts: 20 Original Short Subject Screenplays (1926-1934) (2018)

 

Hal Roach (who produced many of the Laurel and Hardy films) was fond of saying that 50% of what is in the script will not play. This is what makes this book of movie scripts for Laurel and Hardy films made at the Hal Roach studio such a fascinating read. For those of us who are fans of Laurel and Hardy, it is wonderful to read how greatly these scripts differ from the films we all know. Some have gags that seemed funny in a script format, but the filmmaker's decided wouldn't work in a movie. Some have completely different endings. Sometimes a funnier joke than what was in the script was later improvised. Sometimes the scripts have gags that are funny but would have seemed too out of character to work on screen. Reading these scripts gives us a wonderful glimpse into the hard work that went into making these silly films. 

This book also gives you a wonderful look into what a short subject script was like. This is especially fascinating as you look at the silent films. When one thinks of scripts they think of a list of lines making reading a script that simply gives great detail into the action quite enlightening. It is a fascinating insight to see that some of the scripts for the silent films are actually much longer than for the talkies. It is also interesting to note the difference between the earliest scripts and the later. The earliest scripts leave little room for improvisation describing every action on screen. However, some of the later scripts would simply hint at some of the slapstick action allowing the comedians to improvise greatly. 

These scripts are compiled by entertainment historian and Laurel and Hardy expert Randy Skretvedt. Having read through many scripts, he selects ones that he knows we be especially fascinating to those who know these films by heart. He also writes introductions before each of the scripts. He gives insight into the changes from script to screen as well as some behind the scenes information about some of these films. His writings are often times also very essential to Laurel and Hardy fans. 

Probably the most fascinating of these scripts is the first one, which is a script for a film that was never filmed. What makes this more fascinating is it would have been the first film that the duo would have made together for the Hal Roach Studio.

As well as being a very fascinating and enlightening read, this book is also a lot of fun to read. Though nothing tops the films themselves for comedy, many of these scripts still had me laugh out loud a few times.

One wouldn't think a book of movie scripts could give this much insight into the making of these classic comedies. However, this is one of the most informative books made about the comedy duo. It is also a heck of a lot of fun. 

Bette Davis: A Biography (1992)

 

A well-researched but distant and cold biography. 

In Barbara Leaming's biography of Bette Davis, the author seems to have a strong disdain for her subject. There is scarcely a kind word said about the movie star here and she comes off as a bit of a monster. Leaming's use of words often reveals a complete lack of sympathy for Bette. While Bette Davis was a very flawed individual, when you aren't allowed to sympathize or relate to the subject in a biography, it makes for rather cold and uninvolving reding. The entire book made me feel still a great distance from the subject. This book tells of many horrible things Bette did but doesn't give any insight into why she did it. In other words, the lack of sympathy and empathy for Bette keep us from ever getting close enough to her to know who she was as a person. This can end up feeling more like a gossip tabloid rather than an actual biography. 

Even Leaming's look at Davis's filmography is mostly dismissive. She praises a handful of her films and performances and dismisses all the others. 

With this said, the research here is very admirable. This book is packed with a lot of great and insightful information about Bette's film work and personal life. I found a recorded conversation between Bette and Mae West incredibly invaluable. Even the biggest Bette Davis fans will learn a lot from this book. 

With all the great research that went into this book, it is even sadder that this is such a cold and distant read. 

Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu (1995)

 

Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu is the first in a series of books stage/film director Simon Callow has written about Orson Welles. It covers Orson's life from childhood to the making of Citizen Kane (1941). 

This is an incredibly engaging read. Focusing on only part of Orson's life, allows it to be much more in depth than the average biography. Even those who are very familiar with Orson's work and life will learn a lot from this book. Callow goes into great depth into many of Orson's stage and radio productions (and even greater into Citizen Kane), while still having plenty of room to paint a picture of his personal life and who he was as a person. The writings about his stage and radio productions are especially valuable to Welles fans as most writings about him seem to focus on his film work. Not only do we get great detail about the making of these productions but there is also great critical insight (as the author has worked on the stage as well). This critical insight often praises Orson's genius showing how it was very evident even at this early stage, while also not being afraid to criticize, his flaws as a storyteller. This is a fair and unbiased look at his work and while it may be very critical one always feels the author's fondness and appreciation for his work. The same can be said for Callow's portrait of Welles as a person. The book does not shy away from Welles' flaws as a person, yet it is a derogatory piece either and is just as quick to point out his better qualities. By the end of this book, we feel a much greater understanding of Orson Welles as a person. 

A must read for Welles fans. 

Batman: A Celebration of 75 Years (2014)

 

This book marks a perfect introduction to the caped crusader, especially if you are a fan of the movies and/or TV shows and wish to explore the comic book adventures of the superhero. For those of us who have read more than a few Batman comics, it is still a very fun and engaging read. The book consists of some of the best and most historically important Batman comics ranging from 1939 to 2014. Many of these stories are a blast to read and give one a full understanding of who Batman is as a character. This book also contains text giving an historical overview of each different era of Batman's comic history. While many comic book buffs will find this information very basic, newcomers and causal fans will find it very informative. 

Here are my thoughts on each of the individual stories. 

The Case of the Chemical Syndicate (1939) A very impressive start for the Dark Knight. This first Batman story is still a gem today. Action packed and very atmospheric this is a pure delight. 

The Legend of the Batman - Who He Is and How He Came to Be (1940) This comic was the first time Batman's infamous origin story had been told. It is told very quickly, basically but effectively here. 

Accidentally on Purpose (1944) A fun golden age romp. This story features an early version of Alfred, when the character was still a comedy relief. He is delightful here and steals the show from our heroes. Despite this, the story has rather weak villains. 

The Scoop of the Century (1948) A fun little golden age story about Vicki Vale (girl photographer) believing she has found out Batman's true identity.  

The Jungle Cat-Queen (1954) A very silly but fun story with Batman and Robin fighting Cat Woman in the jungle. 

The Batman of Tomorrow (1955) An over-the-top story about Batman getting help from a Batman from the future. The story has little logic to it but the future Batman's gadgets are a lot of fun. 

The Origin of the Superman-Batman Team (1958) Through a flash back in another story, we get told how Batman and Superman first teamed up. The surrounding story is a bit rushed, and the ending seems a bit forced. However, the actual story of how Superman and Batman teamed up is a lot of fun. 

The Mystery of the Menacing Mask (1964) A well done story featuring quite a good one-shot villain with a mind control gimmick. 

Beware of Poison Ivy (1966) The introduction of Poison Ivy is a bit underwhelming (as the villainess is underdeveloped), but it still has its silver age charms.

 The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl (1967) A fun introduction to Batgirl with great artwork.

The Secret of the Waiting Graves (1970) A dark and atmospheric horror-adject story that still works very well. 

Death Flies the Haunted Skies (1974) A airborne Batman story involving a ghostly World War One plane. There is a lot to enjoy about this very atmospheric story, even if it can feel a bit rushed. 

The Deadshot Ricochet (1977) A well-made and action-packed reinvention of the villain, Deadshot.

Wanted: Santa Claus -- Dead or Alive (1980) A not wholly successful Christmas story that has its moments but is an uneasy mix of dark and corny. 

...The Player on the Other Side (1984) I find the evil mirror version of Batman, kind of boring honestly, but the drama about Batman facing his past is very well done. 

My Beginning ... And My Probable End (1987) A top notch Batman story in every respect. Batman facing what he has become when Robin has been shot by the Mad Hatter is an incredibly heartfelt and thought-provoking. Probably my favorite comic in this book.  

Identity Crisis (1991) A very well-made page turner about Bruce Wayne waking up to find out that he is no longer Batman but someone else is. The ending is a bit of a cop-out, but everything else is so good you may not care. 

The Broken Bat (1993) This comic was a part of one of the greatest and most important Batman stories of all time, with Batman finally meeting his better in Bane. Unfortunately, reading this comic without reading the rest of the story can feel like reading a single chapter of a great novel. 

Knight Out (1997) After the darker stories that precede it, this is a welcome change of a pace. Just a humorous and fun story about a woman trying to get a date with Bruce Wayne. 

Air Time (2001) A simple story of Batman saving a family in a car that has went into the ocean, proves to be a great examination of what the character is all about. 

The Beautiful People (2006) A very well written story about Batman fighting a new and dangerous villain, who gives him not clue what to expect. 

Trust Fall (2011) A overly bloody story of Batman fighting someone who has a vendetta against the Wayne family. A well told story but the gore seems excessive and unnecessary.

The Case of the Chemical Syndicate (2014) A retelling of the first Batman story with new vintage style artwork. The new artwork is great, and the story is still a delight.  

 

 

Laurel and Hardy (1975)

 

This 1975 book by Laurel and Hardy biographer, cartoonist Al Kilgore and Hal Roach Studio historian Richard W. Bann is a very fun read. Much of the book consists of stills from most of their films (with the exception of the lost films, the movies where they have cameos and the Fox movies) and text explaining what is happening in each of the scenes and giving a recounting of many of the gags. The result is almost a hybrid of a picture book and a comic book. Luckily many of these films are still quite funny and enjoyable in this format, making this book a blast to read. For the films that don't receive this full treatment, there usually one picture from the film and a story summary.

 Though this is a light and fun read, it is not devoid of information either. Each film receives a list of credits as well as working titles and release dates. There are short but informative bios of both members of the comedy team and brief summaries of each major change in their movie careers. However, when it comes to how informative it is, it has obviously been eclipsed by Randy Skretvedt's Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies. Though the same can be said for every Laurel and Hardy book and still for what it is this is surprisingly informative. 

If I had any complaint about this book, it is that there is a rating system for each film (a certain number of derbies out of four) but no explanation for why this rating is given. Because of this, if you happen to disagree with the authors' opinions on certain films, no reason is given is to why they felt differently than you. This honestly annoyed me as I became very curious as to why they liked a film less than or I did or more than I did. 

All in all, though this is a really fun book.  

The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland (2025)

 

If you love going to Disneyland as much as I do, this book is simply a must have. Written by Disney legend Don Hahn and imagineer Christopher Merritt, this is a very absorbing history of Disneyland. Focusing on the period where Walt Disney was alive and overseeing production of this park, this book not only gives you a clear and concise history behind various attractions but also gives you a fascinating look into how Walt envisioned the park. This book is full of quotes from Walt and people who worked with him. Because of this as you read you begin to understand how in many ways Disneyland (especially the parts that still exist from the era Walt was alive) is a reflection of who the man is and how he saw the world. Yet this book makes sure to credit the many others who made the park happen. Not only does it tell us who helped create what in the park, but it also gives us some background information into their personal lives and their work elsewhere. This helps us understand why each of them was perfect for the job they were given in the park. 

This book is also brilliantly structured, with an opening that discusses the origins of the park and then chapters focusing on each individual land. The story of Disneyland is not only told through text but also through visuals. The book is full of various original sketches for various attractions and for the park itself. Also seen here is plenty of sketches for parts of the park that never came to be. There are also plenty of behind-the-scenes photos that are priceless and also give us who are not old enough to remember the original Disneyland, a great peak into a bygone era. Both the sketches and the photos will be new to both causal readers and hard-core Disney-philes.

The book also delves into the Disneyland TV series that help promote the park. While this information may not be new to long time Disney fans, putting within the context of the park's creation makes it still a great read. The book also highlight how the culture of the mid-1950's to the late-1960's helped shape much of the park, even parts that are still with us today.

A must own for Disney fans.